Local MP, David Rutley, recently met Poynton High School’s headteacher, Mr Matthew Dean, to thank staff at the school for all their hard work in making it possible for students to continue with their education during another very challenging academic year.

David was particularly grateful to Mr Dean for all that he has done to assist local pupils and their families, since becoming headteacher in January, during the pandemic. As with all local schools, this has been a very difficult year and the practical, flexible response of teachers has enabled pupils to go on learning whether in physical or virtual settings depending on prevailing public health restrictions.

During his visit, David also met four year 7 pupils who shared their experiences during their first year at the High School. They were very grateful for the support that they have received throughout the year. While coronavirus restrictions have meant that it was not possible for them to do everything that they would normally do in school, the pupils were pleased with all that they had been able to learn in difficult circumstances and that they had been able to form strong friendships with other pupils.  

In Mr Dean and David’s meeting, they discussed how the school has faced into the challenges presented by the pandemic and the steps being taken to help pupils catch up on any lost learning through education recovery plans.

After his visit, David said, “Being at school is vital to the education and development of young people. I am very grateful to Mr Dean and the teachers and support staff at Poynton High School, and all our other local schools, for their detailed planning, hard work and commitment to help so many pupils continue with their studies, during a particularly difficult year. As we move forward, I trust that the new academic year will see teachers, pupils and their parents return to more normal times.”